J Emerg Med
-
Pneumocephalus is a rare cause of altered mental status in patients presenting to the Emergency Department. Occurring as a result of traumatic or iatrogenic violation of the dura, it can cause significant morbidity and mortality if tension physiology develops whereby air continues to accumulate with no mechanism for escape. ⋯ This case illustrates the importance of considering tension pneumocephalus on the differential diagnosis for any patient presenting with altered mental status after surgical or diagnostic procedures with potential to violate the dural space.